FESTIVALS&EVENTS

www.leicester.gov.uk/festivals

APRIL – SEPTEMBER 2012

LEICESTER

WELCOMEFestivals help bring our city to life every summer as we get out and about and have fun.2012 is going to be no exception with a bumper year packed full of things to do. Alongsidefirm favourites such as Riverside Festival, Leicester Belgrave Mela, Caribbean Carnival andCastle Park Old Town Festival, our city will be in full party mood through the summer days of2012. To mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee year there will be the Big Lunch Street Parties,Beacon Lighting and a special concert.

The Olympic Torch will be visiting the City and will herald the start of a packed programmeacross the city including the amazing giant crochet Lionheart project in Orton Square andthe Official London 2012 Live Site in Humberstone Gate West, where you will be able towatch all the live sporting action as well as trying new activities for yourself.

2012 is shaping up to be a year to remember - I hope you enjoy it as much as I intend to!

Peter SoulsbyCity Mayor

Beacon Lighting Festival4th June, Abbey Park

The Jubilee Concertfrom Buckingham Palace4th June, Humberstone Gate

The Big Lunch3rd June, Humberstone Gate West

Torch Relay and Evening Celebration2nd / 3rd July

Live Olympic & Paralympic coverageon the London 2012 Official Live Sitefrom 25th July – 9th September,Humberstone Gate

Visit the websites for more details www.leicester.gov.uk/diamondjubileeor www.oneleicester.com/leicester2012

Look out for the 2012 stamp next to festivals & events that have beenorganised to celebrate this very special year.

Experience the atmosphere and excitement of the Queens JubileeCelebrations and London 2012 Olympics in the city centre this summer!

Watch live coverage of the summer’s main events on the Big Screen, Humberstone Gate Westand enjoy cultural events, activities, exhibitions and concerts. Highlights include:-

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www.leicester.gov.uk/festivals

CHRIST IN THE CENTREFriday 6th April10.00am – 12.00noonLeicester City Centre & Humberstone GateNow in its 10th year, Christ in the Centre will again bringthe true meaning of the Easter story to life on the streetsof Leicester with a dramatic presentation of Christ’steaching, trial, passion, crucifixion and resurrection.

W: www.christinthecentre.co.uk

CONTINENTAL MARKETWednesday 11th – Sunday 15th AprilHumberstone & Gallowtree GateFind yourself in Paris smelling freshly baked baguettes orspoiling yourself with Belgium's finest mouth-wateringchocolate. Stroll the bazaars of Persia in search of sweetbaklava, continue your journey into the Tuscan countrysidewith the finest handmade leather accessories and into deepestAfrica and its native artwork. Finally, why not treat yourself toa glass of wine straight from the rolling hills of Provence.

T: (0116) 223 2371 W: www.leicestermarket.co.uk

St. GEORGE’S DAYFESTIVAL &CELEBRATIONSSaturday 21st April & Monday 23rd April12.00noon – 5.00pmCultural Quarter & Leicester MarketThe entertainment begins on Saturday 21st April witha family friendly outdoor festival on Orton Square, featuringlive music, dance displays and other activities. With its themeof ‘Kings & Queens of England’ to herald the forthcomingcelebrations of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, the festivalpromises entertainment for all the family with eveningevents to keep the party going. Historical and themed streetarts and walk-about characters will be in and around theCultural Quarter.On Monday 23rd April, Leicester Market hosts its annualre-enactment of St George slaying the dragon and rescuinga damsel in distress. Actors will put on a play of thelegendary tale in two performances. 500 red roses willbe handed out to visitors and a narrator will explain thesignificance and importance of St George’s legacy.

T: (0116) 238 5085W: www.leicester.gov.uk/stgeorgesfestival

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www.leicester.gov.uk/festivals

PUCCINI’S LA BOHEMEThursday 17th May6.00pmBig Screen, Humberstone Gate WestThe BBC, The Royal Opera House and Leicester City Council aredelighted to welcome you to a magical evening live from CoventGarden. Bring a picnic and chairs and join us for a live relay fromthe Royal Opera House of one of the most loved of all operas;Puccini’s La Boheme. One freezing Christmas Eve, a strugglingpoet meets a beautiful, fragile young woman who will change hislife forever. If you’ve never been to an opera before, this is the ideal place to start. Performance starts at 7.30pmwith pre-performance activities from 6pm. Please note Humberstone Gate West is an alcohol free zone, limitedseating will be provided.

T: (0116) 238 5132 E: festivals@leicester.gov.uk W: www.leicester.gov.uk/bigscreen

BIG DANCE SCHOOL PLEDGE -WORLD RECORD BREAKING EVENTFriday 18th May1.00pmBig Screen, Humberstone Gate WestThe Big Dance School Pledge is a mass participation dance event forschools and takes place on the day that the Olympic torch arrives inthe UK. The event aims to showcase a range of different types of danceperformed in unusual places and this year will be a world record attempt.Come along and see school groups from across the city and countytake part and support them in their world record breaking attempt.Big Dance in the East Midlands has been developed by the Big DanceHub and supported by Dance4.

T: (0115) 941 0773W: www.bigdance2012.com / www.dance4.co.uk

MOROCCAN MARKETTuesday 8th May – Saturday 12th MayHumberstone GateBrowse the colourful and exciting stalls, enjoy the sounds of live music and sample the flavours of Moroccoat a range of stalls selling freshly prepared food. Among the wide variety of traditional Moroccan handicrafts forsale will be rugs, leather goods, jewellery, ceramics and glasswork including tagines and tea glasses, decorativebrass and metalwork and a mouth-watering selection of herbs and spices.

T: (0116) 223 2371 W: www.leicestermarket.co.uk

LET’S DANCE FESTIVALSaturday 12th – Sunday 27th MayVarious VenuesThe festival that brings to Leicester the best dance from around the world.

T: (0116) 242 2945 W: www.serendipityartistsmovement.co.uk/letsdance

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www.leicester.gov.uk/festivals

SUMMER FOOD & DRINK FESTIVALSunday 27th MayLeicester MarketSample food and drink from across our region with over 200 stalls, alljam-packed into Leicester’s historic market. From spicy curries from thecity’s best Indian restaurants to local cheese and meat farm produce fromthe counties, there really is something for everyone. As well as the individualstalls, there will be an array of entertainment and cookery demonstrationstaking place in the Corn Exchange Square.

T: (0116) 223 2371 W: www.leicestermarket.co.uk

THE SPARK CHILDREN’SARTS FESTIVALMonday 28th May – Sunday 10th JuneVarious VenuesNow in its 10th year, the Spark Children's ArtsFestival returns to venues and schools aroundthe city. This two-week festival is packed fullof different shows, events and workshops forchildren and young people aged 0 - 13 years.

T: (0116) 261 6893W: wwwsparkfestival.co.uk

LEICESTER RIVERSIDEFESTIVALSaturday 9th & Sunday 10th June12 noon each dayBede Park, Mile Straight & Western BoulevardOne of Leicester’s biggest outdoor free festivals with activities forall ages, on and off the water. This popular free festival offersactivities for all ages including boat trips, live music, an arts andcraft street market, children’s fun fair, a variety of food stalls anddisplays. Highlights on the river include colourful boats from acrossthe region, canoe demonstrations and trips. On land, the festivalcontinues to build on its reputation for great live music byshowcasing some of the best bands and artists. Once again therewill be an environmental focus to the festival bringing togetherworkshops and displays, helping to raise awareness ofenvironmental issues.

T: (0116) 238 5085 E: festivals@leicester.gov.ukW: www.leicester.gov.uk/riversidefestival

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www.leicester.gov.uk/festivals

BANDS ON PARKSSunday 10th June – September3.00pm - 4.00pmCity ParksA season of popular community brass band concerts taking place in summerthroughout parks in Leicester. Bring the family for a picnic and listen to musicfrom our local brass bands, on one of our beautiful city parks, for free.Includes the 2012 Bandstand Marathon on Sunday 9th September between2.00pm - 4.00pm at Abbey Park, featuring The Melton Band.

W: www.leicester.gov.uk/parks

LIONHEARTThursday 28th June – Tuesday 10th JulyOrton SquareMarvel at the amazing Lionheart project as three giant lions in acustom-built, 16 metre glass case make up the biggest crochetsculpture in the world. Harking back to the days of travellingmenagerie shows, the sculpture is based on the lions in RichardLionheart’s crest and is hand-crocheted from 36 miles of yarnby artist, Shauna Richardson. Part of the Cultural Olympiad 2012.

T: (0116) 238 5084 E: festivals@leicester.gov.ukW: www.oneleicester.com/leicester2012

RADIO 1’s HACKNEY WEEKENDSaturday 23rd & Sunday 24th June4.00pm - 10.00pmBig Screen, Humberstone Gate WestBBC Radio 1 present it’s biggest-ever free, ticketed live music event - the Hackney Weekend 2012. HumberstoneGate West will be part of the fun with the screening of the music live over the whole weekend on the Big Screen.Come down, have fun and dance the night away to Leona Lewis, Tinie Tempah, Plan B, Florence and the Machineand many more. Please note Humberstone Gate West is an alcohol free zone.

T: (0116) 238 5132 E: festivals@leicester.gov.ukW: www.leicester.gov.uk/bigscreen

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LEICESTER RACE FOR LIFE30th June & 1st JulyWestern ParkEvery two minutes someone in the UK is told they have cancer.Ladies, let’s walk, jog or run Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life2012 to help more of them survive. In 2012 we want morewomen, raising more money for more triumphs against cancer.Take part for you, for a loved one, for everyone affected by cancerand enter the Leicester 5K or 10K Race for Life now at:

T: 0871 641 111 W: raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org

www.leicester.gov.uk/festivals

LEICESTER BELGRAVE MELAFestival of Indian Culture & South Asian Arts in the CityDate tbc11.00am – 6.00pmLeicester City CentreThe famous South Asian arts and Indian cultural festivalis back with a glittering mix of live entertainment, celebrityguests, community performances and a fantastic musicand dance programme. The event boasts free artsactivities for families and the magical Mela Bazaar,featuring mouth-watering Indian food, clothing, jewellery,Asian arts stands and more.

T: (0116) 222 1905/ (0116) 222 1013W: www.leicester-mela.co.uk

WIMBLEDON TENNIS FINALSSaturday 7th & Sunday 8th JulyBig Screen, Humberstone Gate WestAs part of a fantastic summer of sport, the Big Screen in Humberstone Gate will be screening both the Women’sand Men's Wimbledon Finals.

W: www.leicester.gov.uk/bigscreen

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RATHAYATRASunday 29th JulyGallowtree Gate & Cossington StreetRecreational GroundExperience a three chariot festival procession and atCossington Street Park, activities for all the familyincluding festive music and free vegetarian food.

T: (07974) 677170W: www.iskconleicester/rathayatra.org

FARMER’S FESTIVALTuesday 10th July10.00am – 4.00pmMarket Corner, Leicester MarketLearn about farming life as the farm yard comes to the city centre. Enjoy an educational day of activitiesand demonstrations with local farm animals.

T: (0116) 223 2371 W: www.leicestermarket.co.uk

www.leicester.gov.uk/festivals

SUMMER SUNDAEWEEKENDERFriday 17th – Sunday 19th AugustDe Monfort Hall & GardensSummer Sundae Weekender is an award-winning, three-dayfestival with over 100 acts including Public Image Limited,Asian Dub Foundation, Grace Petrie and Willy Mason pluscomedy. Keep an eye on on our website below for detailsof this year’s line-up, theme and special ticket offers.Come and join us at the East Midlands’ favourite festival!

T: (0116) 233 3111 E: dmh.office@leicester.gov.ukW: www.summersundae.com

LEICESTER CARIBBEAN CARNIVALSaturday 4th August12noon – 8.00pmVictoria ParkNow in its 27th year, Leicester Caribbean Carnival is acelebration of Caribbean cultural identity, social cohesion andcreative partnership. The celebration lends itself to embracingart forms from Leicester’s diverse community while at thesame time ensuring that the true meaning of the CaribbeanCarnival remains intact. Carnival is a platform for Caribbeanpeople to display their true talents through costume, food,music and dance.

T: (0116) 273 6649 W: www.leicester.gov.uk/festivals

LEICESTER FRINGE FESTIVALFriday 10th August – Thursday 16th AugustVaious LocationsThe Leicester Fringe Festival showcases the best in regional talent across the arts including music, digital arts,photography and comedy to a local and national audience. The event is hosted around the best venues across thecity centre, each linked by the traditional open-top buses specially chartered for the event to provide festival-goersunlimited travel between fringe venues. Watch out for Leicester Fringe Festival 2012 announcements over thecoming months via the website and social media channels.

E: info@leicesterfringe.co.uk W: www.leicesterfringe.co.uk

SAFFRON FETESaturday 11th August11.00am – 4.00pmAylestone Recreation GroundThe 2012 Carnival parade will leave Goldhill Adventure Playground at 11am and arrive at the park for 12pm forthe official opening. On the park there will be stage acts, stalls, hot & cold food, fun family activities, rides, infostalls, sports and much more. Join us for our 2012 celebration.

T: 0778 423 3997

www.leicester.gov.uk/festivals

MUSALLAH AL EIDSaturday 18th August – subject to moon sightingSpinney Hill ParkThe Festival marks the end of Ramadhan (Muslim fasting month), beginning with the sighting of the new moon.On the actual day of the festival, people rise early, bathe and put on new clothes. A congregational prayer takesplace in the local park, which is organised by the Musallah Al Eid group and at the local Mosques. Muslims praytogether and remember the poor and needy by giving alms to charity. Later, meals are shared and gifts aredistributed amongst family, friends and the wider community.

W: www.leicester.gov.uk/festivals

CASTLE PARKOLD TOWN FESTIVALMonday August 20th – Monday 27th AugustVarious Venues in Castle Park AreaLeicester has many royal connections and in celebration ofthe Queen’s Diamond Jubilee year the theme of this year’sfestival will be Kings & Queens of England. The theme willbe highlighted throughout the festival with walking tours,lectures and exhibitions and the popular ‘Hidden Gems’ toursof significant buildings.

Leicester Cathedral will host its second Food Fair and will alsobe the setting for the festival’s headline concert. There will bea host of children’s activities on weekdays at various venues including Newarke Houses Museum, The Guildhall, JewryWall Museum and St. Mary De Castro Church. Many of the venues and pubs in the area will be presenting eveningentertainment. The festival finale will be the traditional family day at Castle Gardens, featuring historical re-enactmentsand walk about ‘royal ’characters, live music, arts, crafts and food stalls, boat rides, children’s circus skills and theatreactivities as well as the ever popular maypole dancing for all the family.

T: (0116) 238 5083 E: festivals@leicester.gov.uk W:www.leicester.gov.uk/castleparkfestival

THE RIDE LEICESTER FESTIVALThursday 23rd – Monday 27th AugustCity CentreFive days of cycling fun across the city including the annual Skyride, whereyou can experience Leicester on traffic-free roads. All you need is your bikeand your zest to zoom into the city on two wheels!

T: (0116) 223 2114 W: www.goskyride.com

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SPORTSFESTSaturday 25th AugustBig Screen, Humberstone Gate WestAs the Paralympic flame arrives in Leicester, Sportsfest will bring the city centre alivein true celebration of the Olympic and Paralympic spirit. Take part in a wide rangeof free participatory sports activities for all the family around Leicester’s Big Screen.

T: (0116) 233 3127 E: sports@leicester.gov.ukW: www.leicester.gov.uk/sports

www.leicester.gov.uk/festivals

KNIGHTON PARK COMMUNITY FUN DAYSunday 2nd September11.00am – 5.00pmKnighton ParkA great family day out, this annual event includes music, entertainers, food and craft stalls.

T: (0116) 246 0176

LAST NIGHT OF THE PROMSSaturday 8th SeptemberBig Screen, Humberstone Gate WestWatch the finale to the world's greatest classical music festival, livefrom The Royal Albert Hall, on the Big Screen. Bring a picnic, a flag,a passion for pomp and ceremony and enjoy a special evening thatrounds off a summer of spectacular events in Humberstone GateWest. Please note limited seating will be provided, HumberstoneGate West is an alcohol free zone.

T: (0116) 238 5132 E: festivals @leicester.gov.ukW: www.leicester.gov.uk/bigscreen

LEICESTER PRIDESaturday 1st SeptemberVictoria ParkLeicester Pride Festival is a colourful and vibrant eventcelebrating diversity and freedom of expression in Leicester.Highlights include live music, market stalls, funfair rides andhealth and wellbeing information. The theme for this year’sparade is Masquerade.

T: (0116) 254 7412 W: www.leicestergaypride.co.uk

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LEICESTER INTERNATIONALMUSIC FESTIVALThursday 13th – Sunday 16th SeptemberNew Walk Museum & Art Galleryand Leicester CathedralThe finest classical chamber music played by world-class artistswithin the wonderful surrounds of New Walk Museum’s ArtGallery and Leicester Cathedral. This year, the music of sevenbrilliant composers is featured including Haydn, Mozart andBeethoven.

T: (0116) 270 1026W: www.leicesterinternationalmusicfestival.org.uk

Date Event Venue

6th April Christ in the Centre City Centre & Humberstone Gate

11th – 15th April Continental Market Humberstone & Gallowtree Gate

21st April & 23rd April St. George’s Day Festival Cultural Quarter& Celebrations & Leicester Market

8th – 12th May Moroccan Market Humberstone Gate

12th – 27th May Let’s Dance Festival Various Venues

17th May Puccini’s La Boheme Big Screen, Humberstone Gate West

18th May Big Dance School Pledge - Big Screen, Humberstone Gate WestWorld Record Breaking Event

27th May Summer Food & Drink Festival Leicester Market

28th May – 10th June The Spark Children’s Arts Festival Various Venues

9th & 10th June Leicester Riverside Festival Bede Park, Mile Straight& Western Boulevard

10th June – Sept Bands on Parks City Parks

23rd & 24th June Radio 1’s Hackney Weekend Big Screen, Humberstone Gate West

28th June – 10th July Lionheart Orton Square

30th June & 1st July Leicester Race for Life Western Park

7th & 8th July Wimbledon Tennis Finals Big Screen, Humberstone Gate West

10th July Farmers Festival Market Corner, Leicester Market

TBC Leicester Belgrave Mela City Centre

29th July Rathayatra Gallowtree Gate& Cossington StreetRecreation Ground

4th Aug Leicester Caribbean Carnival Victoria Park

10th – 16th Aug Leicester Fringe Festival Various Locations

11th Aug Saffron Fete Aylestone Recreation Ground

17th – 19th Aug Summer Sundae Weekender De Montfort Hall & Gardens

18th Aug Musallah Al Eid Spinney Hill Park

20th – 27th Aug Castle Park Old Town Festival Venues in Castle Park Area

23rd – 27th Aug The Ride Leicester Festival City Centre

25th Aug Sportsfest Big Screen, Humberstone Gate West

1st Sept Leicester Pride Victoria Park

2nd Sept Knighton Park Community Fun Day Knighton Park

8th Sept Last Night of the Proms Big Screen, Humberstone Gate West

13th – 16th Sept Leicester International Music Festival New Walk Museum & Art Galleryand Leicester Cathedral

www.leicester.gov.uk/festivals

DIARY OF FESTIVALS & EVENTS

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LEICESTER FESTIVALS & EVENTS TEAM:The Festivals and Events Team directly manage a wide range of activities, including Abbey Park Bonfireand Diwali celebrations. The team also works in partnership with independent organisations toco-promote and deliver festivals and events. The team provide advice and support for the communityand festival organisers on staging outdoor and venue based festivals and events within the city andalso take bookings for parks and open spaces where festivals and events are held.

CONTACT US:T: 0116 238 5082 E: festivals@leicester.gov.uk W: www.leicester.gov.uk/festivals

/leicesterfestivals @leicesterfest

Leicester Festivals & Events, 1st Floor, Wellington House, Wellington Street, Leicester, LE1 6HL

ADMISSION INFORMATION:Most of the festivals and events listed in this guide are free. For further details, please visit:www.leicester.gov.uk/festivals

TRAVEL INFORMATION:For information on visiting our events:

By public transport, contact Traveline on 0871 200 2233.By rail, contact 08457 484 950.By bicycle: www.leicester.gov.uk/cycle-cityOn foot: www.leicestershealthyheart.co.uk and www.walkit.comBy car: www.leicester.gov.uk/travel

All details are correct at the time of going to print. We apologise for any changes which may be necessary.